I realized that for many years, I have indeed been keeping a Commonplace Book, one scattered around in one of the several agendas that I have kept. You know, the ones that begin with a single purpose (budget tracking) and slowly morph into a fantastically interesting but disastrously unorganized collection of notes, lists, dates to remember, phone numbers to call, and the occasional quote.

My New Year’s resolution, therefore, is to create a true Commonplace Book, one that I take the time to craft and tend to, whether by writing fragments of interest down on post-its to come across later, or typing out quick stickies on my desktop.

I think that the integral part of the Commonplace book is that, just like a writer’s notebook or a bookshelf, it’s organized with the creator in mind. Until my junior year of high school, I never understood why the method of carrying around one huge binder with all my class notes and papers didn’t work for me. Not until one of my teachers, bewildered at how long it took me to flip through my notes each day, gifted me with a plain manila folder and a $0.99 notebook. With these tools, I realized that the binder method, which seemed to work for everyone else at school but me, didn’t work for my learning style. It was more valuable for me to have things spread out into different physical locations, with my notes in one area and the teacher’s notes in another, than to have everything in one convenient place.

Therefore, for my Commonplace book, I’ve decided to use the format of index cards. Separable, fibrous little pads that can be folded, bent, but most importantly, organized and reorganized as the collection of wisdom and intrigue from my book list grows. They’ll be handwritten, in one shade of pen (a fragment of OCD developed a years ago that pairs specific notebooks with specific pens) and stuffed into a cheap card organizer picked up at Target.

Consolidating all of the wisdom I’ve picked up through the years, wisdom taken from my favorite novels, random magazines (yes, there is even an anecdote from People magazine in June 2011 stuck in there), and random conversations with others, I hope the Commonplace book to serve as a source of inspiration in the future, but also something to guide my writing now.

Noticing the most powerful passages of prose and what stands out to me (particularly in a 700 page tome like The Goldfinch that is currently underway.

Perhaps after a year or two there will come a time when I need to organize the quotes into categories, sections like “people watching” or “thoughts for the nighttime,” but for now, I want to focus on the raw material that inspires me, so that one day it might creep into a project or venture.

For now, I’ll begin writing my first index card:
“He would have to stop writing and quit playing chess, and instead he would have to join some sort of a boxing team, or an ultimate fighting club. He would dream of getting even… his whole life would turn into an ultimate fighting competition, and for what? For whom?!” – Marina and Sergey Dyachenko

Another NaNoWriMo (for those not familiar with the term, that’s short for National Novel Writing Month, which, for those not familiar with the tradition, is the month of November, during which ambitious writers plan, plot and draft a full novel) has come and gone, leaving writers with a lack of structured writing incentives, and maybe a lack of ideas or ambitions to jumpstart creative juices, especially around the holiday season.

It’s too easy to become bogged down by the holiday checklist. Between gifts, flights, and black forest hams, it can be difficult to schedule time to write, and even then, to motivate yourself to take that “me time” to hack through plot lines, edit, or even scrawl words other than holiday lists.

Here are a few ideas, meant to spark creativity, and stay productive during the holidays.

1. Work towards keeping a specific writing schedule. There are the vacation weeks when you can sprawl out, pen in hand, and scribble away to your heart’s content. But with limited time, and added stress, creating more methodical schedules for your writing can hold you accountable to the goals you made in times of more creative potential. Whether this means sacrificing an hour of TV time to work on editing the first chapter of your novel, or grinding out a character description on the train to work, setting aside specific times can keep you on schedule. Try blocking out your day in a calendar, and using a timer (check your phone!) to hold yourself accountable. If you’re feeling too distracted, use the Pomodoro Technique (see: http://pomodorotechnique.com) write or edit for twenty-five minutes, then take five minutes to browse the web, write another holiday list, or brew a cup of coffee. Just a half an hour a day can help lead you to your long-term goals, and keep you focused on your project.

2. Journal your holidays. Put aside what you’re working on and focus on personal writing for a few weeks. Work to improve your technique and try different points of view, new voices, and even changes in sentence structure. Need a prompt? How about one of these?

What would your ideal holiday meal be? Who would be invited? What would be served? What would the conversation steer toward?

What is the most memorable present you’ve ever received? How can you recreate a similar experience for someone else?

What about your heritage is passed down through the holidays?

What is the voice of your holiday season? (Mine is frenetic, rushed, and completely in the first person).

3. Read. While practice makes perfect, inspiration will always have its place. Check out new authors from your local library. It’s a free treat that’s perfect for a few hours after Christmas dinner, or the wee hours of the New Years day.

4. Invest in new technology to help you write. What do you want to see in your stocking? What about a Kindle, to read on the go, and even export your PDF’s to work through your own work on-the-go. Or a tape recorder? Give your hand a break and explore a stream of consciousness style by recording yourself speaking aloud on all things writing for a few hours. My personal favorite, though, is the USB typewriter (http://www.usbtypewriter.com) a connection that allows you to write on a beautiful, classic typewriter, and see your words appear on an iPad or Kindle, editable, savable, and exportable.

5. Reach out to your guests. Don’t be afraid to ask for constructive criticism. As you gather with family and friends, put your ideas (or maybe even projects in the works) out there. Share your passions with those closest to you, and offer to send them materials after the holidays. You may not find anyone willing to edit your 600,000 word manuscript, but you may discover alternative perspectives on characters, and find out what catches on with an audience. After all, if you’re looking to self-publish, you’re looking to reach an audience. Find out what appeals to your friends and family, they’ll be the softest critics, and they may also be the most helpful.

6. Start a new project. Nothing is quite as motivating as having something fresh to work with, especially if you’ve looking at the same pages in the same font for months. Excite yourself with a new short story, scrawl out the first few plot lines of a new epic. Anything to excite yourself to the point where writing becomes a priority in your day.

From the beginning, it’s clear that Please Laugh at my Funeral is setting out to be an investigation of the very base of human consciousness- of the lengths that one will go to when there is nothing left. It’s a lofty idea, to explore the most primitive wants and needs of a person with no responsibilities and no ties- not even to life. This promising theme is explored as Steve, a formerly depressed and suicidal twenty-something fresh out of a relationship with her, fired from his job, and evicted, decides after a failed suicide attempt that he will continue the sad pains of existence for just thirty more days. Thirty days to live to the fullest, before ending his life. Dying to live. The idea is poetic, romantic and appealing.

“Dying to live” seems like the perfect motto of Generation X. Filled with Pinterest pinners throwing down quotes about leaving tomorrow to Wanderlust about the globe, mixing new cocktails that are nothing more than vodka and a mélange of drugs, believing that life is only worth living if one fulfills every one of their self interests, those are the ideas of Generation X. And those are the ideas conveyed in this novel.

The concept is so promising that the slow unveiling of the plot in the first few chapters seems to offer a snapshot of a generation. Unfortunately, this powerful idea to describe a generation of people, of modern day society in which we live to fulfill ourselves and no one else, suffers almost immediately, as crude humor and vaguely underdeveloped action overtake the plot.

In the first of one of many escapades, Steve makes his way to the local zoo with his only friend, Frank, only to scream at a baby to shut up. It’s relatable and grotesque all at the same time. It’s the unveiling of our inner impulses, to give away the requirements of society and for once scream our minds to the unsuspecting victims that may cross our path.

The humanity that is unveiled in scenes like this describes both Steve and Generation X, and, while disturbing, enriches the plot, which other times falters through its vague descriptions of scenery, and lacking dialogue.

Written almost as a journal entry from each day in the month leading up to Steve’s planned death, the book is written as a third-person narrative. And perhaps that’s what Please Laugh at My Funeral is missing. The third-person makes the story feel cold and emotionless, a superficial investigation of a series of pop culture events that are clichéd.

In the course of a month, Steve and Frank manage to explore every contemporary issue of our society, from homosexuality to a skirt with religion that ends in a day, to blackmailing, to death by pills, to social media frenzies, to addicts and grungy underground clubs. Loaded with every grimy pop culture reference that could fit into the pages, none of the adventures that Steve and Frank embark on have the depth nor the reflection to make a meaningful impact on the reader.

While the concept is immensely moving and powerful, the problem with the story is that it is perhaps too Generation X: it is self-fulfilling for Steve, but it leaves everyone else wanting more than the superficial plot riddled with questions, that, instead of intriguing the reader, merely create distance and confusion from the plot.

In the first few chapters of the story, Steve admits to a love interest he met earlier in the day, “It’s the finality of it. We are scared of our own deaths.”

Yet Steve is fatalistically committed to killing himself after living for one month, unafraid of death, perhaps because in this time he manages to complete all of the most clichéd extravagances of the twentieth century.

Without requiring emotional investment, Please Laugh at my Funeral is easy to get through, a quick read if you’re willing to be left wanting, not by the ending, but by many of the pages.

The first time we saw the Amazon blurb for Nyx I was immediately intrigued.

“Nyx, a sarcastic, mouthy fairy, is hurled into Hell, but instead of damned souls and devils, she finds only a group of confused, young human witches.”

Talk about a strong opener. Blending fantasy, witchcraft, and teenage hormones is a wild ride, and one we knew we wanted to hear more from the author about. He was kind enough to talk about his experiences writing this quirky novel, and his experiences on the self-publishing grind.

Growing up in the sparse beauty of the Mojave desert, his first school was actually called Tumbleweed Elementary. Since then, he has lived in San Francisco, Brooklyn, and Hollywood, before settling down in the lush beauty of Oregon with his wife and son. Being from the desert, the rain doesn’t bother him. In fact, he thinks it’s still kind of exotic, as are all the green things growing right out of the ground.

What is your favorite book?

I could make a list of perhaps my favorite 200 books, and they’re favorites for all sorts of different reasons. Great stories, fascinating characters, exotic settings, guilty pleasures, and difficult but fulfilling works. One of the most inspirational books I’ve read is Imaginary Cities by Italo Calvino. It blew my mind when I first read it. It’s a conversation between Marco Polo and Kubla Khan where Marco describes wildly fantastic and impossible cities to the fabulously wealthy ruler. I’ve always put it on a pedestal as an example of a writer with a great imagination.

Do you have a day job? What is it?

I’m a web developer, and have been for almost 20 years.

When you began the process of writing your book, had you ever heard of self-publishing?

I became interested in self-publishing when I couldn’t get an agent to give me anything more detailed than a form rejection letter. While I was writing, I knew self-publishing was an option, but I tried to focus on the story instead of worrying about publishing.

What are the benefits of self-publishing?

The main benefit is that the book actually got published, with a cover I love, and I didn’t have to wait for someone else’s approval to get that done.

I wouldn’t say that self-publishing gives you a more flexible schedule, since it requires a lot more time than traditional publishing, since you have to lay out the book, get the cover right, and create a properly formatted e-book. That part of the process took me months, and that doesn’t include any of the marketing you have to do yourself, too. Marketing is hard, too. It’s hard to find access to an audience and get people interested in reading Nyx.

What is the greatest struggle you find as a self-published author?

The writing itself takes the most time, of course, but it’s also the most fun. For me, marketing is the hardest part. The goal of my marketing is to figure out who would be interested in Nyx and then letting them know it exists. I’ve used Facebook, Amazon KDP promotions, Reddit, and giving a copy to anyone in my life who seemed interested. Sales are slow, but at least I’m still selling a book every so often, and people keep putting it on their to-read shelf on goodreads, so I’m optimistic.

Did you work with a paid editor?

My editor is my wife, so while I didn’t pay her, other people (like Disney) have. The best way to handle criticism is to just take your ego out of it. It isn’t fun, but it’s absolutely vital. When it comes to listenting to an editor, pride is poison.

What about the book cover?

I tried to design it myself, but it just ended up looking cheap and clearly self-published. I ended up hiring a small design company to do the cover. It was spendy, but I’m thrilled with the result, and I expect I’ll use them again.

Did you purchase your own ISBN, or work with a company to purchase rights and an ISBN?

I bought a pack of 10 ISBNs in an abundance of caution of wanting to own my own work, but I’m not sure that was really necessary.

Do you have more e-Book or hard copy sales?

Definitely more e-book sales, maybe four to five times as much.

How do you market and brand your stories?

I only have one book out there, Nyx. I’m an unknown author hawking a self-published fantasy novel, so people are understandably leery of picking it up. Self-published novels have a terrible reputation, and that’s not totally undeserved. Since my major obstacles were obscurity and reluctance (due to being self-published), I decided to give away as many copies of my books as I could, in order to build as much word-of-mouth as possible. I might have lost about 50 or so sales with that tactic, but my goal isn’t to sell 50 books, it’s to sell 50,000. Many of my Facebook friends got a free copy, as did all of my real-world friends who wanted one. One of my friend’s teenage daughter liked Nyx so much she’s dressing up as the character for Halloween, which I’m pretty honored by. To overcome the reluctance to pick up the book, I got the best cover I possibly could, since when I’m looking for new books to read, I absolutely judge books by their cover.

I’ve also contacted about 125 book bloggers and sent a nice email, asking if they’d like to review it. Only about ten said they’d review it, and maybe four have actually reviewed the book. I haven’t noticed any bump in sales from those reviews, so I’m not yet convinced that book review blogs are worth the effort.

Did you publish through Amazon?

I did publish through Amazon, since that’s the largest marketplace for books. I used Createspace (which Amazon owns) to make Nyx a print-on-demand book, and they make the process pretty easy.

How did you decide to price your book?

I priced the paperback so that I’d make about a dollar for every sale, and that came to $12.99. I set the e-book at $2.99, which seemed like a good deal for a 480-page book.

What kind of support would be most helpful to self-published authors?

Marketing support would be the greatest help. Help getting reviewed would also be nice. Unfortunately, marketing for fiction is a lot harder than for non-fiction. With non-fiction, you can have a blog that regularly expounds on the subject matter, extends the message that’s in the book, hold workshops and such. With fiction, who cares about a blog? I’ve never looked at an author’s blog – I don’t care. I just want to read their books. The most consistent advice I’ve heard about marketing self-published fiction is, “Write another book.” I’m working on the sequel to Nyx, so I’ll let you know how that works out.

Check out these gift ideas, the complete package based on our favorite reviewed self-published workers, spanning a variety of genres. Whether a complete package tied up with ribbons, a quick stocking stuffer, or an Amazon e-gift, treat someone on your list to a self-published work this holiday season!

For the fantasy lover:

A Touch of Magic by Gregory Mahan

This fantasy novel focuses on a young boy, gifted with the powers of magic in a land where sorcery is illegal and punishable. Bringing in a trio of bawdy companions on the run from the secret police, this is the perfectly paced dose of fantasy, applicable to teenagers and adults alike. It’s worth staying up past bedtime to follow Randall’s misadventures and mishaps.

Honey-matured mead, an archaic drink long looked upon fondly by Tolkien and the like.

Live Action Role Playing armor and weaponry. Spur imagination and creativity with this detailed set of protective shields, detailed swords and knives, and even historical replicas of the most distinctive armor. Our favorites are the gothic armor package and the Black Ice Light Armor Set! Check out: http://www.larping.org/larp-shop/

A trip to Ashford Castle: http://www.ashford.ie. This beautiful Irish castle offers the medieval getaway of a lifetime. Set on over three hundred acres near a fjord, with impeccably manicured lawns and an ancient castle with modern amenities, Ashford Castle is sure to delight any fantasy lover.

As inspiring as it is tragic, this tale of college days gone awry is filled with ironic humor, honest observations, and will have you hooked as it pulls away the curtain on alcoholism and fraternity life behind the brick walls of the Ivy League. Perfect for any recent graduate, this memoir reflects fondly, and with morality, on the end of the university era, and the struggles with the adjustment from the ivory tower of college, into the real world.

Notebooks. Moving on from the day’s of scribbling papers in the library at four AM, to faxing papers at the first desk job is a big switch. Bring back the university feeling with legendary Moleskine notebooks, perfect for everything from detailed sketches to late-night journaling. The extra large soft notebook has plenty of room for inspirations and aspirations: http://www.moleskine.com/en/collections/model/product/plain-soft-notebook-extra-large

An oversized poster featuring the entire text from a classic novel? Check. Poster books make it possible to have a full piece of literature hanging on the wall. Create a sophisticated conversation piece to cover bare walls. Magnifying glass not included. http://postertext.com

For the action fiend:

The Full Contact Series by Daniel Kucan

Full Contact is a whirlwind boxing adventure for the gritty realist. Trekking around the globe, but always in the ring, the series of ten short chapters offers love, heartbreak, intense, pounding action, commentary on the state of boxing, and of humanity, all with a suppressed humor that makes the brutality of the stories bearable.

Pair it with: A bungee jumping or zipline adventure. The highest bungee jump in the United States, at 321 feet, is located at Royal Gorge Park in Colorado. The adventure begins the moment you jump: http://royalgorgebridge.com

In the midst of the political protests in Ukraine, venture to the land of Russia for a taste of science fiction, fantasy, and romance with a Slavic twist. Look for themes of deception, political corruption, and earnest, true love, along with an intense sense of nationality and pride.

The Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko.

The Night Watch is Russia’s answer to epic fantasy with a modern twist. Set in modern-day Moscow, but with a twist, Muscovites live in a society with an ancient race of powerful members, forever feuding between the Light and the Dark, while a fragile pact keeps peace between the sides. The incredible momentum of the plot, coupled with the epic plot line, and Lukyanenko’s frank writing style advances a story that stands alone as the contemporary example of Russian fantasy.

Recommended for: An afternoon read (prepare to be hooked)

Enjoy it with: A dark ale

For fans of: Epic fantasy, Tolkien

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Skip the movie adaptations and go straight to the novel. Applicable to our current social struggles, Anna Karenina details the repressed love and life of a noblewoman forced to choose between a subservience that allows her to hold a title, and her personal desires, which overwhelm her as she attempts to find a life that is not chosen for her, but chosen by her. Tolstoy’s reflections upon his own life, and of life in contemporary Russia, are clear throughout the novel, making it an insightful read not only into the mind of a character, but also one of the world’s greatest authors.

Recommended for: A bedside table, book club

Enjoy it with: Scones, biscuits, a daiquiri

For fans of: Romance novels, classic literature

Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

Set in the 1820’s, Eugene Onegin delves deep into a social circle of Russian life that would otherwise be unremembered. Pushkin’s poetic sense is transformed into his first prose based novel. The range of characters ensures that not only the three main masculine protagonists are remembered, but also the broad cast that goes far beyond the leading men and their ladies.